Everyone inside the courtroom turned their heads toward the entrance, including Edward and his family. Their eyes widened in disbelief at the sight of a young woman stepping in, accompanied by another woman at her side.“V–Violet…” Edward’s mother gasped, her voice trembling. She clutched her husband’s arm tightly and whispered in panic, “Why is Violet here? You told me everything had been taken care of!”The atmosphere shifted instantly. Expressions flipped like masks being turned inside out. Those who stood with Natalie beamed with relief, while Edward’s supporters wore stiff, complicated faces that betrayed their unease.“Who is that woman walking her in?” Natalie asked, her lips curving into a smile of relief. She was puzzled to see Violet escorted not by Doctor Marry, but by someone else. Yet the worry that had been clinging to her heart loosened. Violet was safe. A little disheveled, perhaps, but undeniably safe.“Sir, isn’t that the young Miss Turner?”Eric’s brows knitted the

Every eye in the courtroom turned to the bench. The air grew thick, oppressive, as if even the sound of the audience’s breathing had been magnified.The presiding judge opened the file before him, his voice booming with authority.“After considering the testimony of the witnesses, the evidence presented, and the defense offered by both the accused and his counsel, this panel concludes that the defendant, Edward Thompson, is lawfully and convincingly found guilty of the crime of hit-and-run—driving in a negligent state, which caused the victim, Miss Natalie Davis, to suffer grievous injuries and nearly lose her life.”Edward bowed his head, face drained of all color. The Thompson family looked as if lightning had struck them; shock and denial rippled through their ranks.Edward’s attorney gritted his teeth, fury and humiliation twisting his composure. This failure would scar his reputation as an attorney who had, until now, prided himself on never losing a case.Indeed, he was no ordin

The dinner to celebrate Natalie’s victory in court unfolded in a warm, cheerful atmosphere. The cozy home, filled with the aroma of delicious dishes, made everyone reluctant to leave. Conversation flowed easily, laughter echoed across the room, and little Jeffrey never failed to make everyone laugh with his blunt honesty and innocent antics.While joy filled the house, Eric sat quietly on the balcony, holding a cup of hot coffee in his hand.“Good. Soon he’ll be joining his son in prison,” he murmured after ending a phone call.He set his phone down, took a sip, and smiled in quiet satisfaction. His men had carried out their duties flawlessly, just as he expected.“Who were you talking to?” Violet’s voice suddenly came from behind him.Her sudden appearance startled Eric so much that he almost choked on his drink.Violet rushed forward, her expression full of concern. She sat down beside him and asked, “Are you all right?” Her hand gently rubbed his back.Eric coughed a few times befo

Eric, who had been standing tall and full of spirit a moment ago, suddenly froze. His smile vanished, replaced by a look of alarm.His eyes widened. His breath caught. For a second, it felt as if the blood in his body stopped flowing altogether. The hand that had been clenched with enthusiasm began to tremble, drained of all strength.He swallowed hard, cold sweat forming on his temple. W-what? Did it just say… death? The thought flashed through his mind, panic taking hold. His heart pounded erratically, as if it wanted to burst out of his chest.He was still so young—not yet twenty. After years of living in poverty and suffering under Jim and Peyton Harris’s cruelty, Eric had only recently begun to experience comfort again since becoming the Host of the Fortune System.And now, that same System had issued a mission where death was a very real risk. A wave of anxiety consumed him. His life was no longer his own; he had his little sister to think of. He could not bear the idea of Elise

After class ended, Eric was ready to leave immediately. But Violet, noticing something unusual about him, stepped forward before he could go.“You don’t look all right,” she said anxiously. “You’re not as calm as usual. Did something happen?”Eric gave her a faint smile and shook his head. “No, don’t worry. I’m fine. It’s just—”Before he could finish, Violet gently took his hand and urged him to sit back down. She sat across from him and said softly, “Eric, you’ve helped me so much. Maybe now it’s my turn to help you. Tell me—what’s wrong? Please, don’t keep it to yourself. I’ll do whatever I can.”If only I could rely on anyone else for this, Violet, Eric thought as he sighed quietly.He forced a warmer smile, hiding every trace of the tension within him. “Believe me, everything’s fine,” he said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. “But I really have to go. There’s something I still need to take care of.”“Are you sure?” she asked, still worried.Eric nodded firmly, then left the